Prevalence of overweight (including obesity) among 15-year-olds

Data source
1. HBSC survey 2001/2002 (3)
2. HBSC survey 2005/2006 (2)
3. HBSC survey 2009/2010 (1).

Method of calculating the indicator
Young people were asked to give their height (without shoes) and weight (without clothes) and their BMI was calculated from this information. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is calculated using age-specific cut-off values of BMI developed by Cole et al (17). These cut-off values correspond to the cut-off values for adults: 25.0 kg/m2 for overweight and 30.0 kg/m2 for obesity.

Geographical coverage
The 2009/2010 survey was conducted in 37 countries and areas in the WHO European Region. The 2005/2006 survey was conducted in 36 countries and areas. The 2001/2002 survey was conducted in 32 countries and areas.

Period of coverage
Data from the 2009/2010, 2005/2006, and 2001/2002 HBSC surveys.

Frequency of update
HBSC surveys are carried out at four-year intervals. The data are collected in all participating countries and areas through school-based surveys, using the international research protocol.

Data quality
Data have been collected using standardized methods. More detailed information can be obtained from HBSC reports.